Cons

Decor is a bit dated in some areas

Food is relatively expensive

Might feel too remote for
some

Bottom Line

The Fox and
Hounds Country Hotel is a mid-range, 20-room property occupying a former
coaching inn in the heart of the North Devonshire countryside. The setting is
genuinely scenic and serene with lush greenery and plenty of wildlife, including fishing on-site. While rooms are clean and well-maintained, the
traditional decor can feel a little dated in places; the tree-house
accommodation, however, is superb. The bar and restaurant are cozy with a good
selection of local food and drink (which can be pricey). Overall it might be a
little remote for some, but for others its a great spot for a secluded weekend surrounded
by nature.

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This former coaching
inn makes for peaceful country retreat surrounded by nature.

Housed in a
coaching inn dating back to the late 19th century, the Fox and Hounds Country
Hotel is certainly the place for a quintessentially English country getaway.
Run by the Culverhouse family since 2007, the property feels relatively fresh, while a liberal scattering of
antique furnishings throughout keep the vibe traditional (and a bit dated at times). Set away from the road on six acres of parkland,
it's particularly peaceful and serene, surrounded by an abundance of flora
and fauna, including local deer, pheasants, and even otter down at the nearby
river. Plentiful salmon there, too, make it popular with fishing enthusiasts,
while the seclusion attracts couples for quiet weekends. The hotel is a frequent venue for weddings.

Set in the lush
and scenic surrounds of the North Devonshire countryside

The hotel is nestled
among the lush greenery of Eggesford Barton in the North Devon countryside. The
immediate surroundings include rolling fields, ancient forest, and the picturesque
River Taw that flows nearby. While there's not much in the way of specific
tourist attractions nearby, there are plenty of nature walks and fishing,
shooting, and horse-riding trails to explore. The nearest town is historic Chulmleigh, just over five minutes away by car, while Eggesford Station is just a few minutes
away on foot; it's a stop on the famous Tarka Railway connecting to Dartmoor,
Exeter, and the Exmoor coast.

Rooms here include one with Devon's largest
four-poster bed, as well as a cool treehouse room.

The hotel has 19
rooms, each individually decorated, though all following traditional country
styling with antique furnishings, patterned wallpaper, and carpeted floors.
In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee facilities, and flat-screen
TVs, while some superior rooms included four-poster beds -- the bridal suite
even features the largest four poster bed in Devon at 7.5ft wide. Bathrooms are
clean and well-maintained with traditionally-styled fixtures and wall-mounted
-- though good quality -- bath products. Fox and Hounds, though, may be best known for the Treetops Treehouse; built in a 200-year-old oak tree overlooking the
fishing lake, this option includes luxury-finish interiors, a well-equipped kitchen, a wood-burning
fireplace, and a superb copper bathtub.

A full
English/Devonshire breakfast is served each morning in the cozy pub-style
restaurant; it's included in the room rate. The hotel's eatery also serves
excellent -- if a little expensive -- food for lunch and dinner with
ingredients largely sourced from local farms. The bar also serves genuine real ales, local ciders, and even Devonshire
wines that can be enjoyed by an open fire. Guests can also learn to fish at the
garden's practice lake before moving on to the salmon in the nearby river.
Brides-to-be will also find an on-site beauty room and hairdressing salon, but there's no gym.